My Current Clear Skin & Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

Acne’s no fun at any age, but having it later in life is a double whammy because we’re dealing with wrinkles at the same time! Most acne solutions are geared toward young people who have much more resilient skin that can handle the drying effects of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. I tried those, but they were too drying for my “mature” skin. After much trial and error, I finally have a new skincare routine for acne and anti-aging that’s working for me!

I’d never had acne before a year ago when my face suddenly started breaking out. I tried many many OTC products to fight the pimples, but nothing worked including salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, exfoliation, tea tree oil, coconut oil, sulpher, turmeric etc. My dermatologist put me on Spironolactone which didn’t work either. I was about to go on a topical antibiotic when my acne suddenly started clearing up!

It was kind of a coincidence revolving around me testing a product for a video and going on vacation that caused me to stumble on the right skincare routine to keep my acne under control. I was testing the IlluMask for acne and I took it on vacation with me so I could use it for the full 30 days without interruption, but my luggage was so full that I left my Clarisonic Mia at home, and while I was on vacation, my skin started clearing up.

When I got home and started using the Clarisonic Mia again, my face broke out again. So, I stopped using my Clarisonic and added Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes to my cleansing routine to help remove makeup. That was 3 months ago and my skin has gotten better and better. I’ve also changed my morning moisturizer, stopped using glycolic acid, and started using a toner, so my routine is very different.

Morning Skincare Routine:

Wash: CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Wash. It’s a gentle cleanser that doesn’t contain any detergents or harsh ingredients. I wash my face in the shower, then gently pat dry with a micro-fiber towel.

 

Treatment 1: Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum. I use 5 drops for my face and 5 drops for my neck, chest and backs of hands avoiding the eyelids.

Treatment 2: Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Serum. I spread 2 pumps of this lightweight serum with anti-oxidants and hyaluronic acid all over my face (including eyelids) and neck.

Moisturize: Cosmetic Skin Solutions Day Moisturizing Creme Advanced Formula+. I apply a pea sized amount all over my face (including eyelids) and neck. This cream contains witch hazel and marine extracts to help minimize pores and keep skin clear while moisturizing.

Protect: Neutrogena UltraSheer Liquid daily sunscreen SPF 70 or Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid sunscreen SPF 50. Most days I use the UltraSheer Liquid SPF 70, but if my skin is sensitive or irritated I use the Pure & Free SPF 50. I apply this silky sunblock to face,  neck, chest and backs of hands.

Evening Skincare Routine:

Remove Makeup: Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes. I remove all my makeup with one towelette. They contain aloe, green tea & vitamin e, but no alcohol. And they don’t leave a residue behind.

Wash: Eucerin Redness Relief Face Wash. This non-foaming gel cleanser thoroughly cleans skin without stripping the natural moisture barrier, contains licorice root to sooth and calm skin.

Tone: Thayer’s Alcohol Free Cucumber Witch Hazel. I squirt this clear liquid on a cotton round and smooth over my cheeks, chin, nose and forehead to remove the last traces of dirt and makeup. Feels cool and refreshing.

Treatment 1: Tretinoin 0.05% Cream (prescription generic). Now that I’ve been using this for over a year my skin is adjusted to it so I don’t have to wait to apply. I squeeze a pea sized amount onto one finger and dot the cream onto each cheek, forehead, and chin. Then I spread it around with my fingertips, avoiding the eyelids and corners of nose and mouth.

Treatment 2: Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Serum (again). I spread 2 pumps of this lightweight serum with anti-oxidants and hyaluronic acid all over my face (including eyelids) and neck.

Moisturize: CeraVe PM Face Moisturizer – apply a thin film of this hydrating moisturizer all over face and neck.

I’m not thrilled that I can’t use glycolic acid or my Clarisonic any more, but at this point it’s more important to me to have clearer skin than to have all that extra exfoliating. My skin is much less red and irritated looking in general so I’m on the road to being able to wear less concealer and foundation and let my skin show again!!

Product Links:

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser*

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer

Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum*

Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Serum*

Cosmetic Skin Solutions Day Moisturizing Creme*

Thayer’s Alcohol Free Cucumber Witch Hazel

Eucerin Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Facial Cleanser*

Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes

Neutrogena UltraSheer Liquid daily sunscreen SPF 70*

Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid sunscreen SPF 50

 

* Links marked are affiliate links. This means that if you use the link and purchase the product I receive a small commission on the sale. It does not cost you anything extra, and it does not change the fact that all opinions expressed in the post are my honest feelings about products that I actually use on a daily basis. You are free to purchase products where you wish and are free to use the links or not as you wish.